2. HEY’s Emancipated Youth Advocacy Board (EYAB) Corner
The HEY EYAB 2008 Team has spent the last few weeks focusing on building their workshop about foster care and emancipation. The workshop is meant for anyone who works with, or on behalf of, youth and wants more information about how to better serve foster youth and emancipated youth. The team has already attended trainings on teamwork, non-profit management, organization and leadership, and plans to enroll in curriculum development and meeting facilitation classes soon. Last weekend, EYAB had a chance to go to Santa Cruz for a working retreat, where they camped, barbecued, and slept under the stars, as well as had intense facilitated discussions about the content of their workshop. EYAB discussed how they want to describe foster youth and emancipation, and how to make their training interactive. Look out for EYAB trainers in your community soon!
If you are interested in hearing what the EYAB 2008 members have to say and more about their training, please contact HEY’s Project Manager, Dana Mandolesi.
3. Policy Updates
LOCAL BUDGET
[From Coleman Advocates Family Budget Coalition]
During the Board of Supervisors addback process, the Supervisors added back $200,000 to the DCYF budget to restore funding for programs whose funding was cut. Unfortunately, they did not addback General Fund money—that money came from the Children’s Fund… meaning it can only be used to restore funding for programs whose original addback came out of the Children’s Fund—that is only 9 of the 31 addbacks, which is why the rest of the programs that received a 15% reduction in their addback for 2008-2009 will not have their funding restored.
Many people turned up to the Supervisor’s Hearing on the Children’s Services Allocation Plan and the proposed use of the Children’s Fund. About 15 people spoke expressing concern about the lack of public input into the decision-making process. We shared the importance of allocating the growth in the Children’s Fund in alignment with the Children’s Services Allocation Plan, our concerns with how the proposed ideas were introduced, and urged the Board to addback the $3.25 million to DCYF’s budget to be allocated through the CSAP.
The hearing took place at the Government Audit and Oversight Committee (Supervisors Peskin, Maxwell and Ammiano), for which only Peskin and Maxwell were present…Both Supervisors seemed to hear the message, but ultimately, the decision was to make no decision.
[Note: HEY’s e-Newsletter for 7.18.08 was compiled prior to the board’s 7.16.08 meeting.] The city’s DCYF Allocation Plan is the official plan to address these unmet needs through the resources of the Children’s Fund. To preserve the integrity of the Children’s Fund allocation process, we now must go back to the Budget & Finance Committee on Wednesday July 16th, 1pm and urge them to amend the resolution that will come before them and instead allocate all $3.25 million in growth of the Children’s Fund to through a DCYF RFP process according to the Allocation Plan priorities and framework established last year after an intensive planning process with significant community input. We urge the Budget Committee members to vote for his change on Wednesday. The city budget will be finalized next week.
Here are some documents to better explain the current situation:
In related news
Paper’s goof cancels S.F. supes weekly meeting
San Francisco Chronicle • July 15, 2008
STATE POLICY
Current Legislation
Unsure what bills are still before the legislatures? Download an updated list of current foster care related bills compiled by HEY.
FEDERAL POLICY
Fostering Connections to Success Act
[from Amy Lemley, John Burton Foundation]
Many of you have been following H.R. 6307, the Fostering Connections to Success Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 24th.This important bipartisan legislation includes a range of foster care reforms, including expanding federal support for relative caregivers, encouraging sibling placement, increasing training funds, extending and improving adoption incentives and increasing support for tribal foster care. It also includes a provision to extend federal funding for youth in foster care to age 21 at a state's option, an approach that has been shown to improve outcomes for youth in their transition from foster care. Download a summary of this bill.
H.R. 6307 would improve the lives of thousands of children in foster care and appears to have a real chance of success. First, it has bipartisan support. Second, the full cost of the bill is paid for through anti-fraud and other good government provisions. Federal child welfare legislation of this significance has not been passed in over a decade. Comparable legislation includes the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. Let's not let another year go by without Congress taking a major step towards real foster care reform.
H.R. 6307 is now in the Senate. It is expected to be amended by the Senate Finance Committee as soon as next Wednesday, July 23rd and possibly voted on by the full Senate before it adjourns in early August. To keep H.R. 6307 moving forward, we need your help, in one of three ways:
(1) Add your organization's name to the sign-on letter. To do so, please reply to Amy Lemley by next Monday, the 21st.
(2) Send or fax a letter expressing your support to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee by July 23rd. Download a sample letter.
(3) Forward this information to people in your network and encourage their involvement.
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4. Articles
SF mayor’s chief of staff resigns
San Francisco Chronicle • 7/11/08
Former foster youth turned pageant winner gives back
Camarillo Acorn • 7/4/08
LA County supervisors want overhaul in monitoring of abuse cases
Los Angeles Times • 6/25/08
RELATED NEWS
Mayor Newsom expands universal healthcare program, Healthy San Francisco
Press Release • 7/10/08
More information on Healthy San Francisco
At the 21 years old former foster youth are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal, however, former foster youth who are residents of San Francisco, may continue to qualify for Healthy San Francisco. Healthy San Francisco is not health insurance, but a form of health care within a network of providers in San Francisco. Healthy San Francisco is a program created by the city of San Francisco that makes health care services accessible and affordable for uninsured residents. HEY along with the Adolescent Health Working Group, and other partners were key advocates in Healthy Young Adults, a community health plan that offered complete health care coverage including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy to 19-24 year-olds. Earlier this year DPH eliminated the Healthy Young Adults program with the goal to transfer its members to the Healthy San Francisco program.
Mayor Newsom appoints Trent Rhorer Chief of Staff
Press Release • 7/10/08
WHAT DOES THE MAYOR'S SENIOR STAFF SWITCH MEAN FOR FAMILY ADVOCATES?
[from Coleman Advocate Alert, July 14]
After the Mayor announced his run for Governor a couple weeks ago, many observers have been expecting changes in staffing, policy priorities and in general, the Mayors' attention to the local problems of San Franciscans. For families and advocates for families, the elevation of Trent Rhorer to Chief of Staff is mixed news. On one hand, Mr. Rhorer has more experience than his predecessors with policy issues facing children & youth after running the Department with the largest programs for children, youth and families in the city (HSA provides child care, foster care and public assistance services to thousands of families). On the other hand, Mr. Rhorer is a played a leadership role in the Mayor’s "Care not Cash" homelessness initiative which has, among other things, not solved the crisis of family homelessness and near-homelessness for thousands of San Francisco families. At the same time, Mr. Rhorer knows more than most city officials about the realities facing the city's most vulnerable families. We look forward to learning what he will do with this knowledge to influence the Mayor's local policy priorities over the next few years and push for stronger leadership from the Mayor around a real agenda to keep working families in the city. For more info, contact nlee@colemanadvocates.org.
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5. Reports & Useful Websites
FACING DEFICITS, MANY STATES ARE IMPOSING CUTS THAT HURT VULNERABLE RESIDENTS (July 2008)
As a new fiscal year begins in most states, budget difficulties are leading some 20 states to reduce services to their residents, including some of their most vulnerable families and individuals. State by state examples of enacted and proposed cuts are included in the paper. Click here for more information.
Casey Young Adult Survey (March 2008)
This annual cohort study examines the impact of foster care services from Casey Family Programs on youth ages 19, 22 and 25. This study also compares these youth to other former foster youth and to their peers who have never experienced foster care.The latest findings are consistent with other foster care studies: the Casey young adults reported high rates of homelessness, symptoms of mental health disorders, GED completion, dependence on public assistance and involvement with the criminal justice system. However, their educational and employment outcomes as well as health insurance coverage and rates of drug use were better than most studies. Click here for more information.
Financing Education Supports For Youth Transitioning Out Of Foster Care
This Finance Project brief presents five financing strategies that can support education success programs and services for youth currently in or transitioning out of the foster care system. For each, the brief highlights relevant funding sources to consider, the range of partners to engage, considerations for implementation and examples of the strategy in practice. Click here for more information.
Supporting Success: Improving Higher Education Outcomes for Students from Foster Care
A new framework from Casey Family Programs describes how to create a system of support for young people seeking postsecondary education opportunities. The framework provides program development tools for college counselors, administrators, professors, and staff. It helps education professionals define a plan for improving their institution’s support for students from foster care. Special Note: HEY and many of our local partners contributed to the information in this guide. Congratulations to John Emerson and Lee Bassett and other members of the Casey team for a job well done. Click here for more information.
CSU East Bay Website Re-launch
The CSU-East Bay Renaissance Scholars website has been updated with lots of great information. Be sure to visit! The site is a great resource for all current and former foster youth as well as child welfare and academic professionals working with current and former foster youth. Questions or comments, contact Kevin Bristow, MPA, Coordinator, Renaissance Scholars Program, CSU, East Bay, at 510-885-4426 or kevin.bristow@csueastbay.edu.
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6. Job Opportunities
Future Leaders Institute (FLI) Program Director
Juma Ventures
Director of Programs
Youth Development Coordinator
MHA-SF Youth Adult Advocate – part-time
This part-time position is ideal for an individual who has personal experience with the foster care system, homelessness and/or runaway. Someone who has natural advocacy skills and is comfortable sharing hers/his story as a way to advocate for change in the mental health system.
Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) TRER Administrative Coordinator
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7. Opportunities
Foster A Dream Summer Programs
Foster A Dream presents their 2008 Summer Programs:
-
GetSet Career Camp… an extensive two-week summer program, packed with career exploration, resume and interviewing techniques, self exploration, and more.
Foster A Dream will be hosting 2 GetSet Career Camp sessions this July. Each session is Monday – Thursday for two weeks. Each day beginning at 9am and ending at 4pm. Session 1: July 7th – 10th and July 14th – 17th. Session 2: July 21st – 24th and July 28th – 31st.
- TECHweek Camp…an intensive week long technology camp that empowers foster youth with cutting edge skills and technical confidence they need to succeed. Foster A Dream will be hosting 1 TECHweek Camp this August. This camp is Monday – Friday beginning at 9am and ending at 4pm.
Session: August 4th – 8th.
Please contact Mary, Foster a Dream's Program Manager, for details and registration at mary@fosteradream.org or 707-747-0100, ext. 101.
Edgewood's Safe Start Program
Edgewood's Safe Start Program helps children ages 0-7 who have been exposed to violence and who are currently being raised by a relative caregiver * grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins. The program offers free counseling and stipend to participants. On August 1, 2008, Edgewood is hosting a free summit to share information on the Child-Parent Psychotherapy model, an evidence based practice, used at Edgewood with kinship families. Dr. Patricia Van Horn, co-founder of this model, will be one of the keynote speakers. Edgewood Safe Start is now accepting new families. Call 415.375.7603 for more information.
Download more information. The deadline to register is July 18, 2008
KPLW Public Radio Station
KPLW public radio station is producing a show giving former foster youth a voice. They are currently looking for current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 23 who would like to share their story and tell the world what they would like to change about the system. Please contact Charvett Blincoe at 510-213-4589 or Charvett.Blincoe@csueastbay.edu with information about any youth who might be interested in the opportunity.
MHA-SF Young Adult Advisors training participants
Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHA-SF) has been very busy implementing our youth mental health advocacy project and planning their youth advocacy training. MHA-SF is now accepting applications for their first young adult trainings on mental health, Mental Health Young Adult Advisors (MH-YAA). They are looking for transitional youth (16-24 years) who are looking to gain more knowledge and skills in advocacy for San Francisco's public mental health system. This training is for young adults who have been homeless/runaway or have been affected by the foster care system. They are looking for young adults who have leadership skills that include serving on committees, advocating for important causes, representing the youth voice.
If you know of any young adults that would be interested in this training, download the flyer. The training will be held starting July 23 and participants must complete an application to register to attend. To register, download the application form. Please submit the application form ASAP as this training will fill up quickly! For more information, contact Kat Casela at (415)421-2926, ext. 312, or kathleen@mha-sf.org.
Admin Office of the Courts Student Interns
The Administrative Office of the Courts is accepting applications for the Student Assistant (Student Intern).
The Court Improvement Program of the Administrative Office of the Court’s Center for Families, Children & the Courts (CFCC) is accepting applications for a Student Intern position. This position is funded for five months from the date of hire. The Student Intern Program is designed specifically for youths who were previously involved in the California foster care system. Click here for more information.
TAY SF YOUNG ADULT TEAM
The TAY SF Young Adult Team is recruiting new members! We are specifically looking for males between the ages of 18 and 22 who are interested in systemic change for the larger transitioning age youth population, have a history of community involvement and knowledge of services/programs, and can commit to a minimum of two meetings per month. To nominate someone or find out more information, contact Iqra at ianjam@dcfy.org or 415-554-3505.
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8. Upcoming Events
The Friends of San Francisco ILSP Annual Fundraiser
The Friends of San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program (Friends of SFILSP) was founded in 2005 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Entirely volunteer run, the mission of the Friends of SFILSP is to empower youth emancipating from foster care in San Francisco to succeed in living independently. Please join us for our annual Back to School Celebration, on Thursday, September 4th an evening full of fun, food, foster youth and friends benefiting the Friends of SFILSP Scholarship Fund. For more information visit friendsofsfilsp.com!
THE CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE OF AMERICA WESTERN REGION SYMPOSIUM
Improving Outcomes for Children, Youth, and Families through Multi-Systems Integration, will be held in San Francisco on August 7 from 10:00 AM–4:30 PM at the Hotel Palomar. CWLA has utilized a four-phase framework to assist state and local jurisdictions in their work to more effectively coordinate and integrate child welfare, juvenile justice, and other relevant youth serving systems on behalf of multi-system youth and families. During this symposium, Janet K. Wiig, CWLA Juvenile Justice Director and Senior Consultant, and John A. Tuell, Director for the Child Welfare-Juvenile Justice Systems Integration Initiative, will present the elements of the framework and feature successful reform work achieved in numerous jurisdictions around the country. Free for CWLA Members; $100 for non-members.
To register, contact Sorrel Concodora, CWLA Program Coordinator, at 703-412-2410 or sconcodora@cwla.org before July 25.
 About
Honoring Emancipated Youth
About Honoring Emancipated Youth
Honoring Emancipated Youth (HEY), a community project of United Way of the Bay Area, is a San Francisco-based intermediary providing leadership to the Bay Area foster care community by convening and informing stakeholders of trends and best practices in order to raise public awareness and promote successful policies that affect emancipated foster youth. HEY is committed to the inclusion of current and former foster youth, service providers, and community members in identifying and promoting strategies and best practices that ensure there are effective systems to serve Bay Area foster care youth in achieving a successful transition to adulthood.
This newsletter is solely for informational purposes; the legislative information and articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Honoring Emancipated Youth or United Way of the Bay Area.
Sara Razavi
Executive Director, Honoring Emancipated Youth (HEY)
United Way of the Bay Area
221 Main Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 808-4435 • Fax (415) 817-4615
srazavi@uwba.org
Visit us at www.heysf.org
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